Pacific Angel 2025 begins next week

Colombo, Sept. 5 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka will host Exercise Pacific Angel 2025 from September 8 to 12, bringing together regional defence partners for joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) training. 

The exercise will see participation from the United States Pacific Forces, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defence Force, Indian Air Force, Maldivian National Defence Force, and the Bangladesh Air Force, alongside the Sri Lanka Air Force, Navy, and Army.

A total of 300 personnel, including 123 foreign participants, will engage in drills focused on search and rescue (SAR), aeromedical evacuation, mass casualty response, and airlift operations. Eight Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) will be conducted at SLAF Base Katunayake, with additional training at China Bay and Ampara.

The United States Air Force will deploy two C-130J aircraft, while Sri Lanka will contribute Bell 412, B-212, and King Air 350 aircraft. The Sri Lanka Navy will also provide maritime platforms to support open-water SAR drills.